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ERIE COUNTY, NY—The Erie County Department of Senior Services announced today that it has been awarded a grant of $780,169 from Senior Service America, Inc. Almost 90 percent of this grant, which originated from the U.S. Department of Labor (“USDOL”), will pay wages and benefits to at least 126 low-income older adults living in Erie County. These older adults will participate in the Senior Community Service Employment Program (“SCSEP”), a major program of the Older Americans Act which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Administered by USDOL, SCSEP is the only federal government program mandated to assist unemployed older adults seeking to rejoin the workforce.

"The Senior Services Department looks forward to continued partnership with Supportive Services Corporation to provide employment opportunities to older adults,” said Erie County Commissioner of Senior Services Randy Hoak. “Some seniors may continue to work out of necessity, but many remain in the workforce because they enjoy contributing to their community, and this program helps make that happen."

Supportive Services Corporation will continue to operate SCSEP as a contractor of Erie County. While employed as SCSEP participants, the older workers are assigned to more than 40 local community, faith-based, and public agencies, including the Community Action Organization, Goodwill Industries, Matt Urban Human Services and the Veterans One-stop Center. The older workers receive on-the-job training to enhance their opportunities in the local job market. Erie County has received this annual SCSEP grant since 1968.

“We are very pleased to continue our support of Erie County and Supportive Services Corporation for the 47th consecutive year,” said Tony Sarmiento, Senior Service America Executive Director. “Many low-income older adults want and need paid work. By serving their community, older workers receive renewed skills as well as renewed hope. Older New Yorkers are fortunate to be given the opportunity through SCSEP and the dedicated staff of Erie County and the Supportive Services Corporation.”